Kentucky Afield

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by Gabe Jenkins, KDFWR Deputy Commissioner, former KDFWR Deer & Elk Program Coordinator, and avid deer outdoorsman. Everyone is excited for the opener of Modern Firearms Season for deer, which is this weekend! Gabe brings extensive knowledge of both deer and deer hunting to the table, and breaks down topics such as: The rut, what hunters might see this season, strategies, and a few things that deer hunters should consider. Gabe also recently witnessed a "squirrel migration", which was a topic that we couldn't glance over, and had to hear more about. We talk hunting, conservation, and bit about fishing... Good luck to everyone hitting the field this Modern Firearms Season, and thanks for listening!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're joined by KDFWR Bear & Elk Program Coordinator John Hast, reliving a DIY public-land elk hunt, talking numbers, and looking ahead to some of the upcoming bear hunting opportunities in the state! Kristin, Chase's fiancé, drew a bull elk tag for the 2026 season, and they went DIY and public-land for her hunt. Chase walks us through their scouting, plan for the hunt, the hunt itself, and the pack-out. John breaks down some harvest numbers and statistics related to both bear and elk hunting in the state, and then afterwards we look ahead to the black bear archery season, which opens up on October 24, 2026.

What if harvesting a deer could help feed a hungry child in your own community? Jon Weece, founder of Boone Brothers, joins the Kentucky Afield Podcast to talk about a new effort connecting hunters with families facing food insecurity. Boone Brothers accepts hunter-harvested deer, pays for the processing and works to get that venison into the hands of people who need it — including putting protein in the backpacks of kids who may otherwise go without. Jon also discusses how the program can create more opportunities for hunters to harvest does in areas with overabundant deer, making Boone Brothers a potential win-win for hunters, wildlife management and Kentucky communities. It’s a conversation about hunting, hunger and finding another way to put the harvest to work long after the hunt is over.

On this episode of the podcast we're joined by Tommy Apostolopoulos, a deer biologist with KDFWR. Archery season has arrived, and most of Kentucky's best deer hunting is right around the corner! Tommy walks us through some changes that are in place for the 2026 season, gives us insights into deer management that's taking place across the state, and shares some personal experiences and insights as well. Good luck to all of the deer hunters this season...Hunt smart and stay safe!

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast we're at the 2026 KY State Fair! We bounced around the KDFWR booth, talked briefly to a variety of guest from the agency, and also chatted with podcast listeners and others from the public. Some of the highlights were finding out everyone's favorite fair activity, their favorite outdoor memory, hearing about what's going on in the outdoors from a biologist and a game warden, and also reliving a fun elk hunting story told by a former Navy SEAL. Recording this episode was a ton of fun... Speaking to a variety of people and never knowing what was going to come up kept us on our toes. Thanks for listening! Guest included: Lorraine Leveronne Hannah Edelen Jay Stone Marcy Anderson Alex Cline Rich Storm Sgt. Jason Wells Aaron Reed Geoff Roberts